Information processing apparatus and method for processing information

ABSTRACT

It is desired to make it possible to verify data more properly while effectively utilizing resources. There is provided an information processing apparatus including a verification unit that verifies predetermined data using first data obtained from the predetermined data and second data obtained from a P2P database.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. National Phase of International PatentApplication No. PCT/JP2018/013745 filed on Mar. 30, 2018, which claimspriority benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. JP 2017-097677 filedin the Japan Patent Office on May 16, 2017. Each of the above-referencedapplications is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatusand a method for processing information.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, in a case where a user (hereinafter referred to as a“depositor” for convenience) deposits some important data to anotherperson (hereinafter referred to as a “custodian” for convenience), theuser deposits the data to a reliable person. In a case where thedepositor deposits data to an unreliable person, the depositor isrequired to verify that the custodian retains the data properly (e.g.,the custodian has not tampered with the data, has not erased the data,etc.).

Furthermore, in recent years, there have been actively developedservices, techniques, and the like for storing data, such as storageservices, as related techniques. For example, Patent Document 1 set outbelow discloses a technique of generating assurance data for provingthat, for example, the data deposited in a storage server is nottampered, and of associating the assurance data with the deposited data.

CITATION LIST Patent Document

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-280972

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

However, according to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1,there has been a case where the deposited data may not be verifiedproperly. For example, since an insider (administrator of the storageserver, etc.) can erase or tamper with the assurance data itself, in acase where the insider has erased or tampered with the deposited data,it has been necessary to read out the entire deposited data again tocomplete existence confirmation and verification of the data depositedby the depositor.

Meanwhile, in a system (Bitcoin, etc.) using a blockchain that is anexample of a peer-to-peer database, a lot of resources are consumed foran anonymous transaction process. For example, in Bitcoin, a pluralityof nodes participating in what is called “mining” is to continue aprocess of calculating a hash value until the mining is successful,whereby it cannot be said that the resources of each node areeffectively utilized.

The present disclosure has been conceived in view of the problemsdescribed above, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide anovel and improved information processing apparatus and a method forprocessing information capable of verifying data more properly whileeffectively utilizing resources.

Solutions to Problems

According to the present disclosure, there is provided an informationprocessing apparatus including a verification unit that verifiespredetermined data using first data obtained from the predetermined dataand second data obtained from a P2P database.

Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, there is provided amethod for processing information, the method including verifyingpredetermined data using first data obtained from the predetermined dataand second data obtained from a P2P database.

Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, there is provided aninformation processing apparatus including a verification request unitthat requests a P2P network to verify predetermined data, and aconfirmation unit that confirms a verification status of thepredetermined data on the basis of information obtained from the P2Pnetwork.

Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, there is provided amethod for processing information, the method including requesting a P2Pnetwork to verify predetermined data, and confirming a verificationstatus of the predetermined data on the basis of information obtainedfrom the P2P network.

Effects of the Invention

As described above, according to the present disclosure, it becomespossible to verify data more properly while effectively utilizingresources.

Note that the effect described above is not necessarily limited, and anyof the effects described in the present specification or another effectthat can be understood from the present specification may be exerted inaddition to the effect described above or instead of the effectdescribed above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of generalblockchain data.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a data managementsystem according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of blockchaindata according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a table illustrating exemplary information included in a “fileverification history” according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a table illustrating exemplary information included in a“virtual currency transaction history” according to the presentembodiment.

FIG. 6 is a table illustrating a functional configuration of a depositsource node and a deposit destination node according to the presentembodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating operation related to a challengeperformed by the deposit destination node according to the presentembodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary hardwareconfiguration of the deposit source node or the deposit destination nodeaccording to the present embodiment.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure will bedescribed in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Notethat, in the present specification and the drawings, constituentelements having substantially the same functional configuration will bedenoted by the same reference signs, and duplicate descriptions thereofwill be omitted.

Note that descriptions will be given in the following order.

1. Background

2. Outline of Data Management System of Present Embodiment

3. Functional Configuration of Each Device

4. Operation of Deposit Destination Node

5. Variation

6. Hardware Configuration of Each Device

7. Conclusion

1. Background

First, a background of the present disclosure will be described.

As mentioned above, in general, in a case where a depositor depositssome important data to another person, the depositor deposits the datato a reliable person. In a case where the depositor deposits data to anunreliable person, the depositor is required to verify that a custodianretains the data properly (e.g., the custodian has not tampered with thedata, has not erased the data, etc.).

Here, a considerable amount of cost is required to verify that thecustodian retains the data properly. For example, it is conceivable toverify that the custodian retains the data properly by developing anapplication or an encryption method for detecting tampering. However, itis not easy to independently develop the application or the encryptionmethod, and a considerable amount of cost is required.

Furthermore, according to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1,for example, an insider (administrator of a storage server, etc.) cantamper with assurance data itself, whereby the depositor cannot detecttampering in a case where the insider has tampered with deposited dataand the assurance data.

In view of the above circumstances, the person who discloses the presentdisclosure has developed the techniques related to the presentdisclosure. Hereinafter, an outline of a data management systemaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

2. Outline of Data Management System of Present Embodiment

The data management system according to the present disclosure is asystem in which a depositor can deposit desired data for any period oftime. The depositor who can use the present system is not particularlylimited. For example, various organizations, such as companies, andindividuals can use the present system. Furthermore, data to bedeposited in the present system is also not particularly limited. Forexample, data related to various kinds of business (data containingtrade secrets of companies, etc.), personal data (photos, videos, music,movies, TV shows, games, etc.), and the like may be deposited in thepresent system. Furthermore, data to be deposited in the present systemmay be encrypted by any encryption method.

Furthermore, the data management system according to the presentembodiment uses a distributed peer-to-peer database provided via apeer-to-peer network. Note that a peer-to-peer network may be referredto as a peer-to-peer distributed file system. Hereinafter, apeer-to-peer network may be referred to as a “P2P network”, and apeer-to-peer database may be referred to as a “P2P database”. In thepresent specification, an exemplary case where blockchain data providedvia a P2P network is used will be described as an example of a P2Pdatabase.

2-1. Outline of General Blockchain System

Before describing the data management system according to the presentembodiment, first, an outline of a general blockchain system will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagramillustrating an outline of general blockchain data. As illustrated inFIG. 1, blockchain data is data in which a plurality of blocks isconnected in chains. Then, in each of the blocks, one or more types ofinformation can be stored as transactions. Examples of a service thatuses a blockchain system include Bitcoin. In Bitcoin, informationassociated with exchange of virtual currency can be stored as atransaction.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the blockchain data includes special valuescalled, for example, a “hash value of the immediately preceding block”and a “nonce”.

The “hash value of the immediately preceding block” is information forconcatenating a block and the immediately preceding block, which is ahash value of the entire data included in the immediately precedingblock (or a part of the data included in the immediately precedingblock), or the like. Furthermore, the “hash value of the immediatelypreceding block” also functions to detect, for example, whether or notdata included in each block of the blockchain has been tampered. Morespecifically, in a case where transaction data included in any of theblocks of the blockchain has been tampered, the hash value of the entiredata included in the block (or a part of the data included in the block)changes so that inconsistency occurs in the “hash value of theimmediately preceding block” included in a block following the block,whereby it can be detected whether or not the data has been tampered.

Furthermore, the “nonce” is information used in a process of determininga node to which a new block is added from among nodes connected to theP2P network. More specifically, in a case where a new block is added tothe blockchain, a node connected to the P2P network outputs a hash valueof the entire data included in the block (or a part of the data includedin the block) while variously changing the “nonce” in the block to beadded, for example. Then, the node that has first succeeded ingenerating a hash value that satisfies a predetermined condition (inother words, the node that has first succeeded in finding a nonce thatgenerates a hash value satisfying a predetermined condition) can add thenew block in the blockchain.

The process is referred to as, for example, mining in Bitcoin, in whichthe node that has first succeeded in finding a nonce with which thecalculated hash value is less than a predetermined value can add a newblock in the blockchain. In the process described above, a time requiredfor the process can be adjusted by appropriately changing the“predetermined condition”.

In this manner, a node that can add a new block in the blockchain is notdetermined in advance, and is not limited to a specific node, whereby aservice utilizing the blockchain can prevent fraud by a specific nodeand can secure fairness of the service. Note that examples of the“nonce” include a character string, a number string, and data includinga combination thereof.

Furthermore, a transaction included in each block of the blockchain isattached with an electronic signature using a secret key owned by a node(or a user). With the electronic signature being attached to atransaction, what is called “spoofing”, data tampering, and the like canbe detected.

Note that the transaction data included in each block of the blockchainmay be encrypted as appropriate. More specifically, a transaction ineach block of Bitcoin is unencrypted and is attached with an electronicsignature using a secret key, and each transaction is public. Meanwhile,there has been a technique of causing a blockchain of Bitcoin to keepdigital assets, such as Colored Coin. In such a case, it is possible todesign in such a manner that only a specific device (device capable ofdecrypting encrypted data) holding a corresponding encryption key canunderstand the content of data on the blockchain.

Furthermore, the blockchain system can also include other data differentfrom virtual currency in the blockchain data used to exchange existingvirtual currency data, such as blockchain data of Bitcoin, by usingsidechain techniques of Bitcoin, for example.

2-2. Configuration of Data Management System of Present Embodiment

The foregoing has described the outline of a general blockchain system.Next, a configuration of the data management system according to thepresent embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 isa diagram illustrating a configuration of the data management systemaccording to the present embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the data management system according to thepresent embodiment includes a node (hereinafter referred to as “depositsource node 100” for convenience) that deposits data to be deposited(hereinafter referred to as “target data 10” for convenience), and anode (hereinafter referred to as a “deposit destination node 200” forconvenience) that retains the target data 10. Then, the deposit sourcenode 100 and the deposit destination node 200 are connected to a P2Pnetwork 300. Although FIG. 2 illustrates only one deposit source node100 and three deposit destination nodes 200, FIG. 2 is merely anexample, and the number of the deposit source nodes 100 and the numberof the deposit destination nodes 200 are optional. Furthermore, althoughthe deposit source node 100 and the deposit destination node 200 areseparately illustrated in FIG. 2, the deposit source node 100 and thedeposit destination node 200 can be implemented by the same informationprocessing apparatus. In other words, an information processingapparatus that functions as the deposit source node 100 may alsofunction as the deposit destination node 200.

(Deposit Source Node 100)

The deposit source node 100 is an information processing apparatus thatdeposits the target data 10 to the deposit destination node 200 andrequests verification of the target data 10. Here, the verificationindicates a process of confirming that the target data 10 is storedproperly. More specifically, the verification indicates a process ofconfirming that the target data 10 has not been erased, or the targetdata 10 has not been tampered or the like. Details of the verificationaccording to the present embodiment will be described later.

The deposit source node 100 discloses information associated withsolicitation of a storage destination of the target data 10 to aplurality of the deposit destination nodes 200, thereby soliciting astorage destination of the target data 10. Here, a method of solicitingthe storage destination of the target data 10 is optional. For example,the deposit source node 100 may upload the information associated withsolicitation of the storage destination of the target data 10 to apredetermined website on the Internet, thereby disclosing theinformation to the plurality of deposit destination nodes 200.

Then, the deposit source node 100 provides the target data 10 to thedeposit destination node 200 that has agreed to store the target data10. Here, a method of providing the target data 10 is optional. Forexample, the deposit source node 100 may provide the target data 10 tothe deposit destination node 200 via the P2P network 300, or may providethe target data 10 to the deposit destination node 200 via the Internet.

Furthermore, the deposit source node 100 notifies the depositdestination node 200 of various kinds of information associated with thestorage or the verification of the target data 10. Here, the variouskinds of information associated with the storage or the verification ofthe target data 10 may be any kind of information. For example, thedeposit source node 100 notifies the deposit destination node 200 ofinformation associated with a size of the target data 10, a period,conditions, a method, and a consideration of the storage or theverification, a payment method of the consideration, a budget serving asa source of the consideration, and the like. Furthermore, a method ofnotifying those kinds of information is optional. For example, thedeposit source node 100 may disclose those kinds of information on apredetermined website on the Internet.

Furthermore, the deposit source node 100 confirms, after depositing thetarget data 10 in the plurality of deposit destination nodes 200, astorage status or a verification status of the target data 10(hereinafter, the “storage status or verification status” may bereferred to as a “verification status” for convenience). Here, a methodof confirming the verification status of the target data 10 is optional.For example, the deposit source node 100 may obtain the blockchain datafrom the P2P network 300 to confirm the verification status of thetarget data 10 on the basis of the blockchain data, or may obtainpredetermined information indicating a verification status of the targetdata from the P2P network 300 to confirm the verification status of thetarget data 10 on the basis of the information.

Details of the processing of the deposit source node 100 will bedescribed later.

(Deposit Destination Node 200)

The deposit destination node 200 is an information processing apparatusthat receives the target data 10 from the deposit source node 100 andverifies the target data 10.

For example, the deposit destination node 200 notifies the depositsource node 100 of information indicating that it agrees to store thetarget data 10. Here, a method of notifying the information indicatingthat it agrees to store the target data 10 is optional. For example, thedeposit destination node 200 may notify the deposit source node 100 ofthe information indicating that it agrees to store the target data 10via a predetermined website on the Internet in which the deposit sourcenode 100 discloses the information associated with the solicitation ofthe storage destination of the target data 10.

Then, the deposit destination node 200 obtains the target data 10 fromthe deposit source node 100. Here, a method of obtaining the target data10 is optional. For example, the deposit destination node 200 may obtainthe target data 10 from the deposit source node 100 via the P2P network300, or may obtain the target data 10 from the deposit source node 100via the Internet.

Furthermore, the deposit destination node 200 obtains blockchain datafrom the P2P network 300, and verifies the target data 10 using theblockchain data. Details of the verification will be described later.

2-3. Functional Overview of Data Management System of Present Embodiment

The foregoing has described the configuration of the data managementsystem according to the present embodiment. Next, a functional overviewof the data management system according to the present embodiment willbe described.

As described above, information called “nonce” is used at the time ofupdating general blockchain data. Meanwhile, in the data managementsystem according to the present embodiment, the deposit destination node200 uses data obtained from the target data 10 (hereinafter, it may bereferred to as “first data” for convenience) instead of the “nonce”(equivalent to a use of the first data as the “nonce”). Morespecifically, a certain deposit source node 100 deposits the target data10 to a plurality of the deposit destination nodes 200 participating inthe P2P network, and the deposit destination nodes 200 that havereceived the target data 10 use, for example, a bit string included inthe target data 10 instead of the “nonce” to calculate a hash value ofthe entire data included in the block to be added (or a part of the dataincluded in the block to be added).

Then, the deposit destination nodes 200 continue to change the firstdata and to calculate the hash value until the calculated hash valuesatisfies a predetermined condition (hereinafter, the process may bereferred to as a “challenge” for convenience). Then, the depositdestination node 200 that has first succeeded in calculating a hashvalue satisfying the predetermined condition (in other words, that hasfirst succeeded in the challenge) can add a new block in the blockchain.Note that the process of calculating the hash value is merely anexample, and the deposit destination node 200 may execute optional dataprocessing other than the calculation of the hash value.

Each configuration of the P2P network (each device, a program of eachdevice, a communication means of each device, etc.) is designed suchthat the process described above is continued autonomously, whereby thedata management system according to the present embodiment can preventthe target data 10 from being tampered. More specifically, in a casewhere the target data 10 has been tampered or the like, a hash value ofthe entire data of any of the blocks included in the blockchain (or apart of the data included in the block) does not satisfy a predeterminedcondition, whereby tampering or the like of the target data 10 can bedetected. In this manner, the data management system according to thepresent embodiment can implement verification of the target data 10 moreproperly by using the first data obtained from the target data 10instead of the “nonce”.

More specifically, in a case where the target data 10 is entrusted to apredetermined storage service, there is a possibility that the targetdata 10 is tampered or erased by a malicious outsider attacking thestorage service or a malicious administrator of the storage serviceperforming predetermined operation. In particular, in a case where acompany, a government, or the like having a significant influence inrelated industries has tampered or erased the target data 10, the factsor evidence may be destroyed. Meanwhile, the data management systemaccording to the present embodiment can deposit the target data 10 to aplurality of anonymous custodians, whereby a possibility that the targetdata 10 is tampered or erased due to attacking of a malicious outsidercan be reduced.

Furthermore, the data management system according to the presentembodiment treats the target data 10 as data separate from theblockchain data, whereby a size of the blockchain data can reduced ascompared with, for example, a method in which the target data 10 isinserted into the blockchain data or the target data 10 is added to theblockchain data.

Furthermore, the data management system according to the presentembodiment can make effective use of the resources of each of thedeposit destination nodes 200. More specifically, for example, aplurality of nodes participating in the mining of Bitcoin changes the“nonce” until the mining succeeds, and continues the process ofcalculating the hash value of the entire data included in the block (ora part of the data included in the block). In other words, it cannot besaid that the resources of the nodes are effectively utilized by theprocess of calculating the hash value performed until the miningsucceeds. Meanwhile, the data management system according to the presentembodiment can verify the target data 10 by using the process ofcalculating the hash value in the challenge, whereby it can be said thatthe resources of the deposit destination nodes 200 are effectivelyutilized. Furthermore, the present disclosure may also be applied toother blockchain services.

Furthermore, the depositor according to the present embodiment sets abudget to be a source of a consideration for storage or verification ofthe target data 10. Here, a method of setting the budget or a method ofexchanging reward is optional. For example, the depositor of the targetdata 10 specifies a budget by a predetermined method and the budget ispooled on the P2P network 300, whereby the deposit destination nodes 200that have succeeded in the challenge may be allowed to obtain rewardfrom the pool. Furthermore, the deposit source node 100 may confirm thedeposit destination nodes 200 that have succeeded in the challenge at anoptional timing, and may pay the reward to those deposit destinationnodes 200 by individually making remittance via the P2P network 300.Furthermore, at the time when the depositor collects the target data 10,the reward may be distributed from the budget on the basis ofcontribution (e.g., the number of times each deposit destination node200 has added a block) of each of the deposit destination nodes 200.According to those methods, the custodian of the target data 10 canreceive a fair consideration for storage or verification of the targetdata 10 at a certain probability.

Furthermore, the data management system according to the presentembodiment can confirm a verification status of the target data 10 andcan present information associated with a result of the confirmation tothe depositor. Here, a method of confirming the verification status ofthe target data 10 or a method of presenting the information associatedwith a result of the confirmation is optional. For example, the depositsource node 100 may obtain blockchain data from the P2P network 300 atan optional timing, and may confirm a status of addition of a block(e.g., date and time when a block is added most recently) on the basisof the blockchain data to confirm the verification status of the targetdata 10. Furthermore, information associated with the number of thedeposit destination nodes 200 that store and verify the target data 10,the status of addition of a block, and the balance of the budget, andthe like may be summarized on a predetermined website on the Internet,for example, and the deposit source node 100 may access the website toconfirm the verification status of the target data 10.

Furthermore, the depositor of the target data 10 may change the budgetat any time on the basis of the verification status of the target data10. For example, in a case where the number of the deposit destinationnodes 200 that store and verify the target data 10 has decreased, thedepositor may increase the budget to increase the number of the depositdestination nodes 200 that store and verify the target data 10.Furthermore, in a case where a block has not been added for apredetermined period of time or more, the depositor may increase thebudget to cause each of the deposit destination nodes 200 to performverification (challenge).

2-4. Outline of Blockchain Data of Present Embodiment

Next, an outline of blockchain data according to the present embodimentwill be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is an explanatorydiagram illustrating the outline of the blockchain data according to thepresent embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 3, each block of theblockchain data according to the present embodiment includes a “hashvalue of the immediately preceding block”, a “file verificationhistory”, and a “virtual currency transaction history”. Hereinafter,each data will be described in detail.

2-4-1. File Verification History

First, the “file verification history” will be described. The “fileverification history” according to the present embodiment includesinformation associated with the first data obtained from the target data10. Here, the information included in the “file verification history”according to the present embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a table illustrating exemplary information included inthe “file verification history” according to the present embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the “file verification history” according tothe present embodiment includes “FileID”, “FilePartNum”, and “FileData”.Note that the information illustrated in FIG. 4 is merely an example,and the information included in the “file verification history”according to the present embodiment can be changed as appropriate.

“FileID” is information for identifying the target data 10. For example,“FileID” may be a hash value of the entire target data 10 (FIG. 4illustrates {7fee20 . . . 0a} as an example). In a case where thedeposit destination node 200 retains a plurality of the target data 10,the deposit destination node 200 can identify, on the basis of theinformation set in the “FileID”, which target data 10 the information isassociated with. Note that this is merely an example, and theidentification information of the target data 10 set in “FileID” can bechanged as appropriate.

“FilePartNum” is information indicating a target range of a challenge inthe target data 10 at the time when the deposit destination node 200executes a challenge. More specifically, the deposit destination node200 participating in the challenge sets a bit string included in a partof the range of the target data 10 designated by “FilePartNum”, insteadof the entire target data 10, as the first data in “FileData”, andexecutes a challenge.

Accordingly, the data management system according to the presentembodiment can adjust the difficulty of the challenge by changing thesetting of “FilePartNum”, and can adjust a time required for the successof the challenge. For example, the data management system according tothe present embodiment can set a wider target range of the challengespecified by “FilePartNum” in a case where a time required for thesuccess of the challenge is desired to be longer, or can set a narrowertarget range of the challenge specified by “FilePartNum” in a case wherethe time required for the success of the challenge is desired to beshorter, on the basis of past records of the time required for thesuccess of the challenge.

Furthermore, the data management system according to the presentembodiment can adjust the amount of reward at the time when thechallenge succeeds according to “FilePartNum” (in other words, dependingon the difficulty of the challenge). For example, in a case where thetarget range of the challenge specified by “FilePartNum” is set to bewider, the data management system according to the present embodimentmay set the amount of reward to be paid at the time when the challengesucceeds to be higher. Furthermore, in a case where the target range ofthe challenge specified by “FilePartNum” is set to be narrower, the datamanagement system according to the present embodiment may set the amountof reward to be paid at the time when the challenge succeeds to belower.

Furthermore, the data management system according to the presentembodiment can also change the setting of “FilePartNum” depending on thebalance of the budget. For example, in a case where the balance of thebudget has become lower than a predetermined value, the data managementsystem according to the present embodiment may set the target range ofthe challenge specified by “FilePartNum” to be narrower so that thedifficulty of the challenge is lowered, thereby setting the amount ofreward to be lower.

Note that a method of specifying the target range of the challenge basedon “FilePartNum” is optional. For example, “FilePartNum” may beinformation associated with a divided range obtained by the target data10 being divided into a plurality of ranges (e.g., it may be informationindicating a third range obtained by the target data 10 being dividedinto 23 pieces (FIG. 4 illustrates {3/23} for convenience)).

Furthermore, although the foregoing has described that a part of therange of the target data 10 is specified in “FilePartNum”, this ismerely an example, and information to be set in “FilePartNum” can bechanged as appropriate. For example, some kind of information related tothe target data 10 (information associated with a size, storagelocation, data type, created date and time, creator, updated date andtime, updater, and the like of the target data 10) may be set in“FilePartNum”.

Furthermore, a device for specifying “FilePartNum” is optional. Forexample, “FilePartNum” may be specified using a predetermined method bythe deposit destination node 200 that has succeeded in the challenge atthe time of the previous block addition, or may be specified by eachdeposit destination node 200 itself using the predetermined method. Inthe present specification, as an example, “FilePartNum” is assumed to bespecified by the deposit destination node 200 that has succeeded in thechallenge at the time of the previous block addition. For example, thedeposit destination node 200 that has succeeded in the challenge alsoprovides information associated with “FilePartNum” to be used for thenext challenge when broadcasting information associated with a block tobe added to another deposit destination node 200, and each depositdestination node 200 executes the next challenge on the basis of theinformation associated with “FilePartNum”.

Furthermore, a method of setting “FilePartNum” is optional. For example,the deposit destination node 200 that has succeeded in the challenge mayinput predetermined information (e.g., information regarding“FilePartNum” or “FileData” at the time when the challenge hassucceeded) to a predetermined program distributed in advance, therebysetting “FilePartNum” for the next challenge. Furthermore, in a casewhere the target data 10 is divided into a plurality of ranges andinformation associated with the divided range is set in “FilePartNum”,the deposit destination node 200 that has succeeded in the challenge mayset a range not previously set as the target range to “FilePartNum”.

Information associated with the first data is set in “FileData”. Forexample, in a case where the first data is a bit string having a certainbit length, the number of bytes (hereinafter referred to as “Offset” forconvenience) starting from the beginning of the target range of thechallenge specified by “FilePartNum” and a data length (hereinafterreferred to as “Len” for convenience) starting from “Offset” (e.g., dataindicating that Offset is 2,115th byte and Len is 37 bytes (FIG. 4illustrates {2115/37} for convenience)) may be set in “FileData” as dataindicating the beginning of the bit string.

In this manner, the content set in “FileData” is not actual data butOffset and Len, whereby “FileData” can have a constant size.

Note that an electronic signature generated by a secret key of thedeposit destination node 200 may be attached to the “file verificationhistory”. As a result, it becomes possible to verify whether or not whatis called “spoofing” has occurred or the “file verification history” hasbeen tampered.

2-4-2. Virtual Currency Transaction History

The “virtual currency transaction history” includes informationassociated with reward for storage or verification of the target data10. For example, the “virtual currency transaction history” includesinformation associated with reward to be paid to the deposit destinationnode 200 that has succeeded in the challenge.

Here, as described above, a method of exchanging the reward for thesuccess of the challenge is optional. In the present specification, asan example, an exemplary case where the depositor of the target data 10specifies a budget by a predetermined method and the budget is pooled onthe P2P network 300 so that the deposit destination node 200 that hassucceeded in the challenge obtains reward from the pool will bedescribed.

Here, a method of generating the “virtual currency transaction history”is optional. For example, a predetermined program may be distributed inadvance to each deposit destination node 200, and the depositdestination node 200 that has succeeded in the challenge may generatethe “virtual currency transaction history” using the program. Thedeposit destination node 200 can obtain the reward from the pool byincluding the generated “virtual currency transaction history” in theblock. In this manner, generation of the “virtual currency transactionhistory” is carried out only by a predetermined program, whereby thedata management system according to the present embodiment can preventan enormous amount of reward from being obtained by a maliciouscustodian.

Here, an example of the information included in the “virtual currencytransaction history” according to the present embodiment will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a table illustratingexemplary information included in the “virtual currency transactionhistory” according to the present embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the “virtual currency transaction history”according to the present embodiment includes an “input” field and an“output” field, and the “input” field includes a “transaction historynumber”, an “electronic signature”, and a “public key of the pool”.Furthermore, the “output” field includes an “amount of reward” and a“hash value of a public key of a deposit destination node”. Note thatthe information illustrated in FIG. 5 is merely an example, and theinformation included in the “virtual currency transaction history”according to the present embodiment can be changed as appropriate.

The “transaction history number” is optional information capable ofidentifying a transaction related to transfer of reward. For example,the “transaction history number” may be a time stamp at the time whenthe challenge has succeeded, a serial number that is incremented by apredetermined value (e.g., by “1”) each time a transaction related totransfer of reward occurs, or the like. The data management systemaccording to the present embodiment can prevent double acquisition ofthe reward by providing the “transaction history number” and the“electronic signature” to be described later in the “virtual currencytransaction history”.

The “electronic signature” is electronic signature data generated by asecret key of the pool. Accordingly, with the electronic signature databeing verified by the “public key of the pool” included in the “virtualcurrency transaction history”, it becomes possible to verify whether ornot the “virtual currency transaction history” has been tampered orwhether or not what is called “spoofing” has occurred.

The “amount of reward” is information associated with an amount ofreward obtained by the deposit destination node 200 that has succeededin the challenge. For example, a predetermined amount of virtualcurrency is set in the “amount of reward” as reward for a successfulchallenge. The amount of reward may be a fixed amount, may be changed atany time depending on the depositor, or may be changed depending on thedifficulty of the change.

The “hash value of a public key of a deposit destination node” is a hashvalue of the public key of the deposit destination node 200 that hassucceeded in the challenge. With the “hash value of a public key of adeposit destination node” being included in the “virtual currencytransaction history”, the deposit destination node 200 that hassucceeded in the challenge and has obtained the reward can beidentified. It is merely an example that the “hash value of a public keyof a deposit destination node” is included in the “virtual currencytransaction history”, and may be changed as appropriate. For example, a“hash value of a public key of a custodian” or the like may be includedinstead of the “hash value of a public key of a deposit destinationnode”.

2-4-3. Hash Value of Immediately Preceding Block

As described above, the “hash value of the immediately preceding block”is information for connecting the block and the immediately precedingblock, which is a hash value of the entire data included in theimmediately preceding block (or a part of the data included in theimmediately preceding block) (note that the “hash value of theimmediately preceding block” is used as “second data” in the presentembodiment).

3. Functional Configuration of Each Device 3-1. Deposit Source Node 100

The foregoing has described the outline of the data management systemaccording to the present embodiment. Next, a functional configuration ofeach device according to the present embodiment will be described withreference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a table illustrating a functionalconfiguration of the deposit source node 100 and the deposit destinationnode 200 according to the present embodiment.

First, a functional configuration of the deposit source node 100according to the present embodiment will be described. As illustrated inFIG. 6, the deposit source node 100 according to the present embodimentincludes an input unit 110, a control unit 120, a communication unit130, an output unit 140, and a storage 150. Furthermore, the controlunit 120 includes a processing unit 121.

(Input Unit 110)

The input unit 110 has a functional configuration for receiving inputfrom the depositor. More specifically, the input unit 110 includesvarious devices (a keyboard, mouse, keypad, touch panel, microphone,operation button, direction key, rotary selector such as jog dial, etc.)used for input, and the depositor performs various kinds of inputoperation using those devices. For example, the depositor inputs thetarget data 10 and various kinds of information associated with storageor verification of the target data 10 (information associated with asize of the target data 10, a period, conditions, a method, and aconsideration of the storage or the verification, a payment method ofthe consideration, a budget serving as a source of the consideration,etc.) using the various devices included in the input unit 110. Notethat those kinds of information are merely examples, and the informationto be input from the input unit 110 is optional. The input unit 110generates input information on the basis of input operation made by thedepositor, and provides the input information to the control unit 120 tobe described later.

(Control Unit 120)

The control unit 120 centrally controls the deposit source node 100.More specifically, the control unit 120 centrally controls variousprocesses from the start to the end of the storage or the verificationof the target data 10 on the basis of the input information providedfrom the input unit 110, reception information provided from thecommunication unit 130 to be described later, and the like. Note thatthe processes controlled by the control unit 120 are not limited tothem. For example, the control unit 120 may control processes generallyexecuted in a server, a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, or thelike. Furthermore, the control unit 120 includes the processing unit 121as described above.

(Processing Unit 121)

The processing unit 121 performs processes related to the storage or theverification of the target data 10. For example, the processing unit 121performs a process of disclosing information associated withsolicitation of a storage destination of the target data 10 to aplurality of deposit destination nodes 200 on the basis of the inputinformation provided from the input unit 110 and the like. Here,specific contents of the process are optional. For example, theprocessing unit 121 may generate the information associated withsolicitation of a storage destination of the target data 10 and uploadthe information to a predetermined website on the Internet, therebydisclosing the information to the plurality of deposit destination nodes200.

Furthermore, the processing unit 121 performs a process of providing thetarget data 10 to the plurality of deposit destination nodes 200. Here,specific contents of the process are optional. For example, theprocessing unit 121 may perform a process of providing the target data10 to the deposit destination nodes 200 via the P2P network 300, or mayperform a process of providing the target data 10 to the depositdestination nodes 200 via the Internet.

Furthermore, the processing unit 121 functions as a verification requestunit that requests verification (or a start of verification) to each ofthe deposit destination nodes 200. More specifically, the processingunit 121 controls a process of transmitting notification for requestingverification (or a start of verification) to the P2P network 300.Accordingly, each of the deposit destination nodes 200 receives thenotification via the P2P network 300, and recognizes that verification(or a start of verification) of the target data 10 is requested.

Furthermore, the processing unit 121 performs a process of notifying thedeposit destination node 200 of various kinds of information associatedwith storage or verification of the target data 10 (informationassociated with a size of the target data 10, a period, conditions, amethod, and a consideration of the storage or the verification, apayment method of the consideration, a budget serving as a source of theconsideration, etc.). Here, specific contents of the process areoptional. For example, the processing unit 121 may notify the depositdestination node 200 of those kinds of information via the P2P network300, or may notify the deposit destination node 200 of those kinds ofinformation by disclosing the information on a predetermined website onthe Internet.

Furthermore, the processing unit 121 also functions as a confirmationunit for confirming a storage status or a verification status of thetarget data 10. Here, specific contents of the process are optional.More specifically, the processing unit 121 obtains blockchain dataregarding the target data 10 from the P2P network 300, and confirms anaddition status of blocks to the blockchain (a date and time when ablock is added most recently, the number of times a block is added, thedeposit destination node 200 to which a block is added, etc.), anexchange status of reward (the amount of reward that has beentransferred, the balance of the budget, etc.), and the like.Furthermore, those described above are merely examples, and theinformation confirmed by the processing unit 121 is optional. Forexample, the processing unit 121 may confirm the number of the depositdestination nodes 200 that store and verify the target data 10. Then,the processing unit 121 provides the various kinds of information thathave been confirmed to the output unit 140 to be described later,thereby implementing output of those kinds of information.

When the various kinds of processes described above are performed, thecontrol unit 120 (including the processing unit 121) generates controlsignals for controlling respective functional configurations andprovides them to the respective functional configurations, and variouskinds of information (input information from the input unit 110,reception information from the communication unit 130, etc.) areprovided from the respective functional configurations.

(Communication Unit 130)

The communication unit 130 communicates with an external device. Morespecifically, the communication unit 130 is connected to the P2P network300 or another network, and communicates with a plurality of depositdestination nodes 200 or other external devices via those networks. Forexample, in the case of transmission, the communication unit 130transmits, on the basis of the control signals from the control unit120, information associated with solicitation of a storage destinationof the target data 10, the target data 10, various kinds of informationassociated with the storage or the verification of the target data 10(information associated with a size of the target data 10, a period,conditions, a method, and a consideration of the storage or theverification, a payment method of the consideration, a budget serving asa source of the consideration, etc.), and the like. Furthermore, in thecase of reception, the communication unit 130 receives informationindicating that it agrees to store the target data 10, blockchain data,and the like, and provides those pieces of information to the controlunit 120 as reception information. Note that the information mentionedabove is merely an example, and the communication unit 130 may transmitand receive other kinds of information.

(Output Unit 140)

The output unit 140 outputs various kinds of information. Morespecifically, the output unit 140 includes various devices (display(liquid crystal display, organic electro-luminescence (EL) display,etc.), projector, printer, plotter, speaker, etc.) to be used foroutput, and performs various kinds of output on the basis of the controlsignals provided from the control unit 120. For example, the output unit140 may display, on a display, information associated with variousprocesses from the start to the end of the storage or the verificationof the target data 10, thereby providing various kinds of information tothe depositor.

(Storage 150)

The storage 150 stores various kinds of information. For example, thestorage 150 stores information associated with solicitation of a storagedestination of the target data 10, the target data 10, various kinds ofinformation associated with the storage or the verification of thetarget data 10 (information associated with a size of the target data10, a period, conditions, a method, and a consideration of the storageor the verification, a payment method of the consideration, a budgetserving as a source of the consideration, etc.), information indicatingthat it agrees to store the target data 10, blockchain data, and thelike. Note that those kinds of information are merely examples, and theinformation stored in the storage 150 can be changed as appropriate. Forexample, the storage 150 may store programs, parameters, and the likeused by each functional configuration of the deposit source node 100.

3-2. Deposit Destination Node 200

Next, a functional configuration of the deposit destination node 200according to the present embodiment will be described. As illustrated inFIG. 6, the deposit destination node 200 according to the presentembodiment includes an input unit 210, a control unit 220, acommunication unit 230, an output unit 240, and a storage 250.Furthermore, the control unit 220 includes a processing unit 221.

(Input Unit 210)

The input unit 210 has a functional configuration for receiving inputfrom the custodian. More specifically, in a similar manner to the inputunit 110 of the deposit source node 100 described above, the input unit210 includes various devices (a keyboard, mouse, keypad, touch panel,microphone, operation button, direction key, rotary selector such as jogdial, etc.) used for input, and the custodian performs various kinds ofinput operation using those devices. For example, the custodian usesvarious devices included in the input unit 210 to input informationindicating that it agrees to store the target data 10, and the like. Theinput unit 210 generates input information on the basis of inputoperation made by the custodian, and provides the input information tothe control unit 220 to be described later.

(Control Unit 220)

The control unit 220 centrally controls the deposit destination node200. More specifically, the control unit 220 centrally controls variousprocesses from the start to the end of the storage or the verificationof the target data 10 on the basis of the input information providedfrom the input unit 210, reception information provided from thecommunication unit 230 to be described later, and the like. In a similarmanner to the control unit 120 of the deposit source node 100 describedabove, the processes controlled by the control unit 220 are optional,and are not limited to the process related to the storage or theverification of the target data 10. For example, the control unit 220may control processes generally executed in a server, a personalcomputer (PC), a tablet PC, or the like. Furthermore, the control unit220 includes the processing unit 221 as described above.

(Processing Unit 221)

The processing unit 221 functions as a verification unit that performsprocesses related to the verification of the target data 10. Forexample, the processing unit 221 performs a process of notifying thedeposit source node 100 of the information indicating that it agrees tostore the target data 10 on the basis of the input information providedfrom the input unit 210. Here, specific contents of the process areoptional. For example, the processing unit 221 may notify the depositsource node 100 of the information indicating that it agrees to storethe target data 10 via a predetermined website on the Internet in whichthe deposit source node 100 discloses the information associated withthe solicitation of the storage destination of the target data 10.

Furthermore, the processing unit 221 performs a process of obtaining thetarget data 10 from the deposit source node 100. Here, specific contentsof the process are optional. For example, the processing unit 221 mayobtain the target data 10 from the deposit source node 100 via the P2Pnetwork 300, or may obtain the target data 10 from the deposit sourcenode 100 via the Internet. Then, the processing unit 221 causes thestorage 250 to be described later to store the obtained target data 10.

Furthermore, the processing unit 221 performs a process related to achallenge for updating the blockchain data. More specifically, theprocessing unit 221 obtains, from the blockchain data, a target range ofthe challenge and a target value that is a predetermined condition for asuccessful challenge. Here, the condition for the success of thechallenge set as the target value is optional. For example, the targetvalue may indicate, as a condition for the success of the challenge,that the hash value of the entire data included in the block (or a partof the data included in the block) is smaller than a predeterminedvalue.

Furthermore, although the foregoing has described that the difficulty ofthe challenge is adjusted depending on the setting of the target rangeof the challenge, the difficulty of the challenge can be adjusted alsoon the basis of the target value. For example, the data managementsystem according to the present embodiment can change, on the basis ofpast records of the time required for the success of the challenge, thetarget value such that the difficulty of the challenge becomes higher ina case where the time required for the success of the challenge isdesired to be longer, and can change the target value such that thedifficulty of the challenge becomes lower in a case where the timerequired for the success of the challenge is desired to be shorter.

Then, the processing unit 221 sets “FileData” from the target range ofthe challenge (e.g., sets “Offset” that is the number of bytes from thebeginning of the target range of the challenge, and “Len” that is a datalength with “Offset” serving as a starting point), calculates a hashvalue of the entire data included in the block (or a part of the dataincluded in the block) thereafter, and compares the hash value with thecondition for the success of the challenge indicated by the targetvalue. The processing unit 221 continues the challenge until the hashvalue satisfies the condition for the success of the challenge indicatedby the target value. Note that the above is merely an example, and theprocessing unit 221 may stop the challenge if the challenge does notsucceed for a predetermined number of times or a predetermined time.Accordingly, the processing unit 221 can prevent resources from beingcontinuously consumed by the challenge being continued until itsucceeds.

Furthermore, in a case where the challenge succeeds, the processing unit221 adds a new block in the blockchain data (in other words, theblockchain data is updated). Then, the processing unit 221 performs aprocess of broadcasting information associated with the new block to beadded (also referred to as “information associated with update”) via theP2P network 300, thereby providing information associated with the factthat the device has succeeded in the challenge and the informationassociated with the new block to be added to the deposit destinationnodes 200 other than the device itself. The processing unit 221 of thedeposit destination node 200 that has received the informationassociated with update confirms whether or not the challenge hassucceeded on the basis of the information, and in a case where a successof the challenge has been confirmed, adds a new block in the blockchaindata managed by the device itself.

At that time, the processing unit 221 may function as a specificationunit for specifying “FilePartNum” to be used for the next challenge. Forexample, the processing unit 221 may input predetermined information(e.g., information regarding “FilePartNum” or “FileData” at the timewhen the challenge has succeeded) to a predetermined program distributedin advance, thereby specifying “FilePartNum” for the next challenge.

Note that a branch may occur in the blockchain if the processing units221 of a plurality of the deposit destination nodes 200 succeed in thechallenge at substantially the same timing. More specifically, in a casewhere the processing units 221 of the plurality of deposit destinationnodes 200 succeed in the challenge at substantially the same timing, therespective processing units 221 perform a process of broadcastinginformation associated with new blocks having different contents atsubstantially the same timing. In that case, blocks to be added to theblockchain data managed by other deposit destination nodes 200 may bedifferent depending on by which processing unit 221 the informationreceived earlier has been broadcasted (this event is referred to as abranch (or fork) of blockchain).

Here, a method of attending to the event that the branch of theblockchain has occurred is optional. For example, the processing unit221 of the deposit destination node 200 that intends to add a new blockmay select the longest chain (hereinafter, it may be referred to as a“branch” for convenience) from the branched blockchains, and may performrespective processes (challenge, etc.) such that a new block is added tothe branch. Then, in a case where lengths of a plurality of branchesdiffer by a certain value or more, the shorter branch may be discardedto eliminate the branching of the blockchain.

Note that, in the present embodiment, a timing (or frequency, etc.) atwhich the processing unit 221 performs a challenge for updating theblockchain data is optional. For example, the processing unit 221 ofeach of the deposit destination nodes 200 may perform a challenge at aspecific date and time, may perform a challenge on the basis of anytrigger (reception of control signals from an external device, etc.), ormay perform a challenge at predetermined intervals of time.

Furthermore, when the various processes described above are performed,the control unit 220 (including the processing unit 221) generatescontrol signals for controlling respective functional configurations andprovides them to the respective functional configurations, and variouskinds of information (input information from the input unit 210,reception information from the communication unit 230, etc.) areprovided from the respective functional configurations.

(Communication Unit 230)

The communication unit 230 communicates with an external device. Morespecifically, the communication unit 230 is connected to the P2P network300 or another network, and communicates with the deposit source node100, the deposit destination nodes 200 other than its own device, orother external devices via those networks. For example, in the case ofreception, the communication unit 230 receives the target data 10,blockchain data, information associated with a new block to be added, orthe like, and provides those pieces of information to the control unit220 as reception information. Furthermore, in the case of transmission,the communication unit 230 transmits information indicating that itagrees to store the target data 10 or information associated with a newblock to be added on the basis of the control signals from the controlunit 220. Note that the information mentioned above is merely anexample, and the communication unit 230 may transmit and receive otherkinds of information.

(Output Unit 240)

The output unit 240 outputs various kinds of information. Morespecifically, in a similar manner to the output unit 140 of the depositsource node 100, the output unit 240 includes various devices (display(liquid crystal display, organic electro-luminescence (EL) display,etc.), projector, printer, plotter, speaker, etc.) to be used foroutput, and performs various kinds of output on the basis of the controlsignals provided from the control unit 220. For example, the output unit240 may display, on a display, information associated with variousprocesses from the start to the end of the storage or the verificationof the target data 10, thereby providing various kinds of information tothe custodian.

(Storage 250)

The storage 250 stores various kinds of information. For example, thestorage 250 stores the target data 10 being stored, various kinds ofinformation associated with storage or verification of the target data10 (information associated with a size of the target data 10, a period,conditions, a method, and a consideration of the storage or theverification, a payment method of the consideration, a budget serving asa source of the consideration, etc.), blockchain data, or the like. Notethat those kinds of information are merely examples, and the informationstored in the storage 250 can be changed as appropriate. For example,the storage 250 may store programs, parameters, and the like used byeach functional configuration of the deposit destination node 200.

4. Operation of Deposit Destination Node 200

The foregoing has described the functional configuration of each deviceaccording to the present embodiment. Next, operation of the depositdestination node 200 according to the present embodiment will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustratingoperation related to a challenge performed by the deposit destinationnode 200 according to the present embodiment.

In step S1000, the processing unit 221 of the deposit destination node200 reads various kinds of information from the blockchain data. Morespecifically, the processing unit 221 reads, from the blockchain data, atarget value that is a condition for a success of the challenge,“FileID” that is information for identifying the target data 10, and“FilePartNum” that is a target range of the challenge. Note that theinformation read by the processing unit 221 is not limited to thosekinds of information.

In step S1004, the processing unit 221 executes the challenge. Morespecifically, the processing unit 221 sets “FileData” from the targetrange of the challenge specified by “FilePartNum” in the target data 10identified by “FileID” (e.g., sets “Offset” that is the number of bytesfrom the beginning of the target range of the challenge, and “Len” thatis a data length with “Offset” serving as a starting point), calculatesa hash value of the entire data included in the block (or a part of thedata included in the block) thereafter, and compares the calculated hashvalue with the condition for the success of the challenge indicated bythe target value, thereby executing the challenge.

In a case where the hash value of the entire data included in the block(or a part of the data included in the block) satisfies the conditionfor the success of the challenge (i.e., in a case where the challengehas succeeded) (Yes in step S1008), in step S1012, the processing unit221 adds a new block to the blockchain data, and performs a process ofbroadcasting information associated with the new block to be added viathe P2P network 300 to provide the deposit destination nodes 200 otherthan its own device with information associated with the fact that thedevice has succeeded in the challenge and the information associatedwith the new block to be added, and the process is terminated. In a casewhere the hash value of the entire data included in the block (or a partof the data included in the block) does not satisfy the condition forthe success of the challenge (i.e., in a case where the challenge hasfailed) (No in step S1008), the process returns to step S1004, and theprocessing unit 221 changes the value of “FileData” to execute thechallenge again.

5. Variation

The foregoing has described the operation of the deposit destinationnode 200 according to the present embodiment. Next, a variation of thepresent disclosure will be described.

In the embodiment described above, it has been described that a timing(or frequency, etc.) at which the deposit destination node 200 performsa challenge for updating the blockchain data is optional. Meanwhile, thevariation of the present disclosure is an example in which a periodduring which the deposit destination node 200 does not perform achallenge is provided, or the number of challenges (or frequency, etc.)is reduced.

For example, in a case where the deposit destination node 200 determinesthat reliability of the target data 10 can be secured to a certain levelby the challenge being performed for a plurality of times, a periodduring which the challenge is not performed may be provided or thenumber of challenges (or frequency, etc.) may be reduced thereafter.

For example, in a case where a predetermined amount or more of data inthe target data 10 has been used in a past challenge, the depositdestination node 200 may determine that the reliability of the targetdata 10 can be secured to a certain level, and a period during which thechallenge is not performed may be provided or the number of challenges(or frequency, etc.) may be reduced thereafter. Note that the above ismerely an example and can be changed as appropriate. For example, in acase where the challenge has been performed a predetermined number oftimes, or in a case where the number of challenges is set on the basisof a size of the target data 10 or the like and the challenge has beenperformed the set number of times, each deposit destination node 200 mayset a period during which the challenge is not performed or may reducethe number of challenges (or frequency, etc.) thereafter.

As a result, according to the present variation, it becomes possible toprevent resources of each deposit destination node 200 from beingconsumed by the challenge being continued without limitation after thereliability is secured to a certain level or more, and to reduce thetotal amount of reward paid as a consideration for a success of thechallenge.

Note that the deposit source node 100 may request each depositdestination node 200 to perform verification (challenge) everypredetermined period (e.g., every year), thereby confirming that thetarget data 10 has been retained in the deposit destination node 200properly. Furthermore, the deposit source node 100 may request thedeposit destination node 200 to perform verification (challenge) beforecollecting the target data 10 from the deposit destination node 200,thereby confirming that the target data 10 has been retained in thedeposit destination node 200 properly. Note that the deposit source node100 may notify each deposit destination node 200 of the scheduled dateand time for requesting the next challenge, thereby motivating eachdeposit destination node 200 to keep retaining the target data 10.

6. Hardware Configuration of Each Device

The foregoing has described the variation of the present disclosure.Next, a hardware configuration of each device according to the presentembodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary hardwareconfiguration of the deposit source node 100 or the deposit destinationnode 200 according to the present embodiment. The deposit source node100 or the deposit destination node 200 according to the presentembodiment can be embodied by an information processing apparatus 900illustrated in FIG. 8.

Then, the information processing apparatus 900 includes, for example, anMPU 901, a ROM 902, a RAM 903, a recording medium 904, an input/outputinterface 905, an operation input device 906, a display device 907, anda communication interface 908. Furthermore, the information processingapparatus 900 connects the respective components by, for example, a bus909 serving as a data transmission path.

The MPU 901 includes, for example, one or more processors including anarithmetic circuit such as an MPU, various processing circuits, and thelike, and functions as the control unit 120 or the control unit 220 thatcontrols the entire information processing apparatus 900. Note that thecontrol unit 120 or the control unit 220 may be constituted by adedicated (or general-purpose) circuit (e.g., processor separate fromthe MPU 901, etc.) capable of implementing the processes of the controlunit 120 or the control unit 220.

The ROM 902 stores programs to be used by the MPU 901, control data suchas operation parameters, and the like. The RAM 903 temporarily stores,for example, programs to be executed by the MPU 901.

The recording medium 904 functions as the storage 150 or the storage250, and stores, for example, data related to information processingaccording to the present embodiment, such as blockchain data and thetarget data 10, and various kinds of data, such as various applications.Here, examples of the recording medium 904 include a magnetic recordingmedium such as a hard disk, and a non-volatile memory such as a flashmemory. Furthermore, the recording medium 904 may be detachable from theinformation processing apparatus 900.

The input/output interface 905 connects, for example, the operationinput device 906 and the display device 907. The operation input device906 functions as the input unit 110 or the input unit 210, and thedisplay device 907 functions as the output unit 140 or the output unit240. Here, examples of the input/output interface 905 include auniversal serial bus (USB) terminal, a digital visual interface (DVI)terminal, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) (registeredtrademark) terminal, and various processing circuits.

Furthermore, the operation input device 906 is provided on theinformation processing apparatus 900, for example, and is connected tothe input/output interface 905 inside the information processingapparatus 900. Examples of the operation input device 906 include akeyboard, mouse, keypad, touch panel, microphone, operation button,direction key, rotary selector such as jog dial, and combinationsthereof.

Furthermore, the display device 907 is provided on the informationprocessing apparatus 900, for example, and is connected to theinput/output interface 905 inside the information processing apparatus900. Examples of the display device 907 include a liquid crystaldisplay, and an organic electro-luminescence (EL) display.

Note that it goes without saying that the input/output interface 905 canbe connected to an external device, such as an operation input deviceoutside the information processing apparatus 900 and an external displaydevice. Furthermore, the display device 907 may be a device capable ofdisplay and user operation, such as a touch panel.

The communication interface 908 is a communication means included in theinformation processing apparatus 900, and functions as the communicationunit 130 or the communication unit 230 for communicating with anexternal device included in the P2P network 300 according to the presentembodiment or an external device to be connected to the P2P network 300by wire or wirelessly. Furthermore, the communication interface 908 mayhave a function of, for example, communicating with any external device,such as a server, by wire or wirelessly via any network (or directly).Here, examples of the communication interface 908 include acommunication antenna and a radio frequency (RF) circuit (wirelesscommunication), an IEEE 802.15.1 port and a transmission/receptioncircuit (wireless communication), an IEEE 802.11 port and atransmission/reception circuit (wireless communication), and a localarea network (LAN) terminal and a transmission/reception circuit (wiredcommunication).

The information processing apparatus 900 performs a process related tothe information processing according to the present embodiment with, forexample, the configuration illustrated in FIG. 8. Note that the hardwareconfiguration of the information processing apparatus 900 according tothe present embodiment is not limited to the configuration illustratedin FIG. 13.

For example, in a case where the information processing apparatus 900communicates with the P2P network 300, an external device, or the likevia an external communication device connected thereto, the informationprocessing apparatus 900 may not include the communication interface908. Furthermore, the communication interface 908 may be configured tobe capable of communicating with one or more external devices using aplurality of communication schemes.

Furthermore, the information processing apparatus 900 may not include,for example, the recording medium 904, the operation input device 906,the display device 907, or the like.

Furthermore, a part of or all of the configuration (or the configurationaccording to the variation) illustrated in FIG. 8 may be implemented byone or more integrated circuits (ICs), for example.

7. Conclusion

As described above, the data management system according to the presentdisclosure can verify the target data 10 more properly by updatingblockchain data using the first data obtained from the target data 10instead of the “nonce”. Furthermore, the data management systemaccording to the present embodiment can verify the target data 10 byusing the process of calculating the hash value in the challenge,whereby the resources of the deposit destination nodes 200 can beeffectively utilized.

Furthermore, the depositor according to the present embodiment can pay afair consideration for storage or verification of the target data 10 tothe custodian (in other words, the custodian can receive, from thedepositor, a fair consideration for the storage or the verification ofthe target data 10 at a certain probability).

Furthermore, the depositor according to the present embodiment canconfirm a status of the storage or the verification of the target data10. In addition, the depositor according to the present embodiment canchange the budget on the basis of the status of the storage or theverification of the target data 10 at any time.

Moreover, the variation of the present disclosure can provide a periodduring which no challenge is performed or reduce the number ofchallenges (or frequency, etc.). As a result, according to the presentvariation of the present disclosure, it becomes possible to preventresources of each deposit destination node 200 from being consumed bythe challenge being continued without limitation after the reliabilityis secured to a certain level or more, and to reduce the total amount ofreward paid as a consideration for a success of the challenge.

As described above, although the preferred embodiment of the presentdisclosure has been described in detail with reference to theaccompanying drawings, the technical scope of the present disclosure isnot limited to such examples. It is obvious that those skilled in theart in the technical field of the present disclosure may find variousalterations and modifications within the scope of the appended claims,and it should be understood that such alterations and modifications arealso naturally within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

For example, a part of the configuration of the deposit source node 100may be provided outside the deposit source node 100 as appropriate.Furthermore, a part of the configuration of the deposit destination node200 may be provided outside the deposit destination node 200 asappropriate.

Furthermore, a part of the function of the deposit source node 100 maybe implemented by the control unit 120. For example, the control unit120 may implement a part of the functions of the input unit 110, thecommunication unit 130, or the output unit 140. Furthermore, a part ofthe function of the deposit destination node 200 may be implemented bythe control unit 220. For example, the control unit 220 may implement apart of the functions of the input unit 210, the communication unit 230,or the output unit 240.

Furthermore, the effects described in the present specification aremerely illustrative or exemplary, and are not limited. That is, thetechniques according to the present disclosure can exert other effectsobvious to those skilled in the art from the disclosure of the presentspecification together with or instead of the effects described above.

Note that the following configurations are also within the technicalscope of the present disclosure.

(1)

An information processing apparatus including:

a verification unit that verifies predetermined data using first dataobtained from the predetermined data and second data obtained from a P2Pdatabase.

(2)

The information processing apparatus according to (1) described above,in which

the verification unit performs predetermined data processing using thefirst data and the second data, and searches for the first data in whicha result of the data processing satisfies a predetermined condition.

(3)

The information processing apparatus according to (2) described above,in which

the verification unit searches for the first data within a rangespecified for the predetermined data.

(4)

The information processing apparatus according to (3) described above,in which

the range is obtained from the P2P database.

(5)

The information processing apparatus according to (3) described above,further including:

a specification unit that specifies the range.

(6)

The information processing apparatus according to any one of (2) to (5)described above, in which

in a case where the result of the data processing satisfies thecondition, the verification unit updates the P2P database using thefirst data and the second data.

(7)

The information processing apparatus according to (6) described above,in which

the verification unit verifies that the result of the data processingperformed by another information processing apparatus satisfies thecondition.

(8)

The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (7)described above, in which

the first data is represented by information regarding a starting pointand information regarding a data length in the predetermined data.

(9)

The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (8)described above, in which

the P2P database is a blockchain.

(10)

The information processing apparatus according to (2) described above,in which

the data processing is processing for calculating a hash value.

(11)

A method for processing information, the method including:

verifying predetermined data using first data obtained from thepredetermined data and second data obtained from a P2P database.

(12)

An information processing apparatus including:

a verification request unit that requests a P2P network to verifypredetermined data; and

a confirmation unit that confirms a verification status of thepredetermined data on the basis of information obtained from the P2Pnetwork.

(13)

The information processing apparatus according to (12) described above,in which

the verification request unit further provides the P2P network with averification condition for the predetermined data.

(14)

A method for processing information, the method including:

requesting a P2P network to verify predetermined data; and

confirming a verification status of the predetermined data on the basisof information obtained from the P2P network.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   100 Deposit source node-   200 Deposit destination node-   110, 210 Input unit-   120, 220 Control unit-   121, 221 Processing unit-   130, 230 Communication unit-   140, 240 Output unit-   150, 250 Storage

The invention claimed is:
 1. An information processing apparatus,comprising: circuitry configured to: request a peer-to-peer (P2P)network to verify specific data, wherein the verification of thespecific data is based on first data obtained from the specific data andsecond data obtained from a P2P database, the first data is representedby first information regarding a starting point and second informationregarding a data length in the specific data, the starting pointcorresponds to a number of bytes that starts from a beginning of a rangespecified for the specific data, and the data length starts from thestarting point; and confirm a verification status of the specific databased on third information obtained from the P2P network.
 2. Theinformation processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thecircuitry is further configured to provide the P2P network with averification condition for the specific data.
 3. The informationprocessing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the range is obtainedfrom the P2P database.
 4. The information processing apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the P2P database is a blockchain.
 5. A method,comprising: requesting a peer-to-peer (P2P) network to verify specificdata, wherein the verification of the specific data is based on firstdata obtained from the specific data and second data obtained from a P2Pdatabase, the first data is represented by first information regarding astarting point and second information regarding a data length in thespecific data, the starting point corresponds to a number of bytes thatstarts from a beginning of a range specified for the specific data, andthe data length starts from the starting point; and confirming averification status of the specific data based on third informationobtained from the P2P network.